Uttar Pradesh for CBI probe into Aarushi murder (Lead)

Lucknow, May 29 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh government Thursday sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the gruesome murder of teenager Aarushi Talwar and her family’s domestic help, saying it would write to the centre to ask the agency to take over the case. “I am going to write a letter to the centre demanding a CBI probe into the murders,” Chief Minister Mayawati said in a statement she read out here Thursday.

Noting the demands made by Aarushi’s family for a CBI probe, Mayawati said: “I understand that the parents do not have faith in the investigations being conducted by the Uttar Pradesh police.

“I sympathise with them and have no hesitation in handing over the case to the CBI,” Mayawati said, adding: “I am not sure whether the central government will accept our request.”

“However, I would reassure the parents that even if the CBI does not take up the case, we would have the case investigated and would ensure that the guilty are brought to book and that no innocent person is punished,” the chief minister maintained.

Aarushi’s dentist father Rajesh Talwar was arrested May 23 for the twin murders and is currently in police custody that expires Friday.

Mayawati also flayed Minister for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury for issuing “irresponsible statements” on the conduct of the Uttar Pradesh police.

“They should stop issuing petty political statements in a matter that is so serious and sensitive,” Mayawati maintained.

Chowdhury had Tuesday objected to a statement made by Gurdarshan Das, Inspector General (Meerut range), May 23 casting aspersions on Aarushi’s character.

“A CBI probe is desirable, particularly when the state has specifically asked for it,” Mishra added.

Speaking on behalf of Aarushi’s family, Mishra had May 27 demanded a CBI probe into the murder of the teenager and servant Hemraj.

Aarushi’s body was discovered in her Jal Vayu Vihar apartment May 16 and the police had immediately named Hemraj as the prime suspect. They found themselves with egg on their face when Hemraj’s body was discovered on the terrace of the building the next day.

Police say Talwar killed Aarushi in a fit of rage as he objected to her closeness to Hemraj.